Reddit reviews JBL 5 ft. Fixed Polespear without Tip (D60)

Hey there! I love to see people get into the hobby!

First and foremost, fuck you for living where the water is warm. I would be in the water in Florida 365 days a year. It gets damn cold up here in MA - even in the summer I use a wetsuit most days (at least a half one).

Since you have diving experience, there's not much point in talking about that. Are you snorkeling or scuba diving? I really suggest snorkeling, it's much easier/more or less no prep to get into the water.

I would highly, HIGHLY recommend a boat of some sort. I have a $160 8' ocean kayak. Got it at an army/navy store and I don't understand how I went out without it. Easy enough to get on/off of while in water over my head and it's amazing how nice it is to have a 'base of operations'. If you want more info/suggestions on setting up a kayak for spearing on a budget, I'll be happy to go into detail :D

I don't own a spear gun. I may buy one this year, depending on budget at the time, but I'm very happy with my polespear(s). First year I got into the hobby I was unemployed so I made my own spears, but after that I bought a JBL 5' spear - works great. Linky: http://www.amazon.com/JBL-meter-Fixed-Spear-without/dp/B0000DYTO9/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1330808956&sr=8-4

What do you have for a mask/flippers/snorkel? I use cheap snorkels ($20 or so), but I spend $50-60 on a mask every year or so. Not that a mask is only good for one year, but I usually don't store them properly over the winter. I highly suggest anti-fog. It's cheap and works well.

Also, you want to get a dive flag. I made my own, as to buy one from my local shop was $40. Used a red tshirt, white duct tape, a wooden dowel and zip ties. Total? $10.

Not sure about the fish in the area. Up here I can ALWAYS get flounder - they're everywhere. I would suggest speaking with the people at your local dive shop.

Also, crabs and lobsters. Delicious. The lobster permit is worth the $40 a year, even if you only get two of 'em.